Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative (butalbital) mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine. This non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and migraines. . Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Conversely, caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches. Together, Fioricet / Acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are used to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction) headaches although precisely how it works is unknown.

What Is It
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches. Together, acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are used to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction) headaches although precisely how it works is unknown. Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Normal Dose
Take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Never take more acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor. Store acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking your next dose.

Over Dose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine overdose include insomnia, restlessness, tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, drowsiness, decreased breathing, di

Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); · slow, weak breathing; liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising); or low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, di

Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Butalbital will cause drowsiness or di

Drug Interactions
Do not take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. Acetaminophen and butalbital may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Many other medicines contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.